At Wardrobe ICONS HQ we have lots of different skin types and struggles, and we’re all a little guilty of jumping from solution to solution. The problem with this approach is that you never really give anything long enough to work. So rather than create our own routines from a range of brands, we decided to commit to regimens with ingredients and formulas designed to work in unison to comfort a sensitive complexion (Petro); clear spots (Alexandra); wake up tired skin (Laura); and begin the process of repairing and smoothing (Brooke). All in all, we were pleasantly surprised with how well our various skin types responded to a steady routine of the right products.

Skin Laundry

My general complaint about my skin is that it looks dull and tired. But for me to stick to a beauty regimen, it needs to start with a cleanser I love – and that’s tricky, because I only like formulas that can be used in the shower. Skin Laundry’s Skin Purifying Cream Cleanser is wash-off, and melts away make-up but leaves skin feeling soft. So I used that morning and night, followed by the Balancing Antioxidant Toner, which really soothes (I’m a real sucker for a toner). For day, I also applied the Daily Moisturiser, which hydrates where I need it (cheeks, jaw and neckline) without overwhelming the spots where I get a bit shiny (forehead and nose). At night, the ingredient that makes a difference to my skin is retinol, and the Night Renew Treatment, a moisturiser and retinol in one, is perfect. I usually don’t bother with eye cream when really I should, so the Renewing Eye Cream helps finish off the routine. Overall, my skin felt smooth and well-hydrated; I did look less tired. I would recommend this range for people like me, who like simple and fresh-feeling skincare. Everything absorbs quickly and there’s also no fragrance, so it’s my ideal spring/summer routine.

Origins

Like most people with sensitive skin, I’m quite wary of introducing new products to my skincare routine. Perhaps because I’ve never really identified what it is in certain formulas that makes my skin freak out, I tend to just keep things very simple. The Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Mega Mushroom line caught my eye because it’s specifically formulated for redness and sensitive skin (hello me). So I decided to take a chance. I’d never tried a micellar water formula before, and I was pleasantly surprised at how this one gently removed every scrap of make-up but still left my skin feeling supple. I used it morning and night, followed by the Soothing Face Cream. And when my skin began to feel uncomfortable, I found the Soothing Treatment Lotion really helped. I also loved the mask, which I now use two or three times a week to keep my skin calm. My skin responded so well to these products, I then strayed further out of my comfort zone by trying Plantscription Anti-Ageing Power Serum, which has non-irritating ingredients that mimic the effects of retinol, something I avoid at all costs. Happy to report that these days, my skin feels softer and less irritable.

Darphin

I never thought I’d say this, but I actually miss the days when blemishes were my biggest problem. I think because there was always the promise that when I managed to clear it up, gorgeous glowing skin was waiting for me on the other side. Since turning 40, when I look in the mirror, I’m starting to see lines and maybe even a little sagging. So I’m willing to complicate my regime for the right results. After cleansing at night, I applied the Prédermine Firming Wrinkle Repair Serum, which was very lightweight and absorbed instantly. I then layered a retinol ampoule, a fast-absorbing oil, over my face. I occasionally use a prescription retinoid, so I’m used to something stronger, but this would be a great option for women who want to add retinol. I finished with the 8-Flower Nectar Oil Cream, which I feared would be too heavy for me. However, I think my skincare routine is still playing catch-up, because I found that I woke up with much softer-feeling skin than usual. For me, this formula is just a little too heavily fragranced to stick with it, but I love the serum and ampoules. Overall, the line smoothing takes months and I’m only a few weeks in, but my skin does look plumper and more radiant.

Clinique

My teens and twenties were spent in a happy haze of clear skin and dewy complexion (face masks were for fun rather than function). But in the last couple of years the universe has seen fit to give me breakouts, blemishes, uneven skin tone and congestion. I’ve tried a lot of products during this time: some worked, some didn’t, and I’m always on the lookout for that miracle fix. The anti-blemish range from Clinique didn’t magic all of my spots away, but it did make a noticeable difference. The range follows the cleanse, tone, moisturise steps that Clinique is famous for, with a clearing gel, serum and mask that you can add into the routine. The products feel strong but not harsh, although if you have sensitive skin this probably isn’t the range for you. Afterwards my skin is noticeably softer (I credit this to the exfoliating Clarifying Lotion), my skin tone more even, existing breakouts have vanished faster (thank you Clearing Gel) and I’ve been getting fewer new blemishes. This is one New Year routine I’ll definitely be sticking with.